Stamp-affixing and envelop-sealing machine



F. R. S. DITMARS. snm? Amxma Ann ENvELoP smm mcumf. APPLICATION FILEDIULY IT, HHB.

Patented Oct. 21,1919.

F. R. S. DITIVIARS. STAMP AFIIXING AND ENVELOP SEMING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILE() IULY l?, i918. 1,319,676.

I SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Tue coLUMBIA Pmmonnum cn., WASHINGTON, n. l:4

Patented Oct. 21, 1919.

F. R. S. DITMARS.

STAMP Amxm AND ENvELoP SEALING MACHINE.

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F. R. S. DITMARS. STAMP AFFIXING AND ENvELoP sEALlNG MAcHmE. APPLICATIONFILED JULY IT, |918.

1,319,676, Patented 0.31. 21,1919.

ISHEETS--SHEET 4.

Patented Oct. 21,1919.

I SHEETS-SHEET 5.

. S. DITMARS.

F STAMP AFFIXING AND ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE. APPLlcmou man JuLY u,|919.

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I uentor "rim COLUMBIA PLANnunAPM co4, WASMINu'roN, n c.

F. R. S. DlTMA-RS. STAMP ArrlxlNG AND ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE.

l APPLICATION FILED JULY l?. 19H3. Patnted Oct. 2l,

l' SHEETS-SHEET 6.

F. R. S. DIMARS.

STAMP AFFIXING AND ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE.

APPLICATION mln luLv l1. 191e.

SHEETS-SHEET I.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK IB. S. DITMARS, OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, ASSIGNOR T0 CLARKMAILING MACHINE COMPANY, A CORPORATION 0F MISSOURI.

STAMP-AFFIXING AND ENVELOP-SEALING- MACHINE.

To all whom 'it may concern: A Y

Be it known that I, FREDERICK R. S. DrrMARs, a citizen of the UnitedStates nof America, residing at Kansas City, inthe county of Jackson andState of Missouri, have invented certain new and usefulv Improvements inStamp-Aflixing and .Envelop-Sealing Machines; and I do hereby declarethat the followin is a full, clear, and exact description of 51einvention, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming apart of this specification.

This invention relates to certain improve-` ments in stamp-aiiixing andenvelop-sealing machines wherein the successive operations of moisteningthe flap of the envelop and subsequently the surface of the envelop toreceive the stamp, then cutting the stamp from the strip of stampmaterial, `then ailixing the stamp to the envelop and sealing the flapin an automatic sequence are performed, and it has for its object:

First, an upward adjustment of the moistening devices for the flap ofthe envelop, whereby complete contact with the flap is assured.

Second, to provide for adjustment of the supporting plates for the stackof envelope,

varying in length and Width.

Third, to adjust the pressure of the preliminary envelop-holding orretaining devices. Fourth, to adjust the position of the envelop-holdingor retarding devices, to

accommodate the varying width of envelops.

Fifth, to enable the return movement ofl the finger bars out of contactwith the enl velop.

Sixth, to control the rapidity of action of the stamp-separatingdevices, -and simplifyv the actuating mechanism.V

Seventh, the control of the' actuating mechanism of the stamp separatorfrom the reciprocating envelop-feeding carriage.

Eighth, to govern the operation of the stamp-separating and affixingdevices responsively to the thickness or bulk ofthe envelop, when movedforwardly toward said devices:

Ninth, the automatic regulation of the feed of the stamp material,during the initial, forward movement of the envelop; and

Tenth, to eect the sealing of the envelope,

Specicatiiil of Letters Patent.

Appli-cation filled July 17, 191B.

Patented oet. 21, 1919.

Serial N0. 245,819.

plate beneath being broken away, to show the fiap-moistening roller andthe adjustable water reservoir.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the operative parts pf the machine, beneath thebed plates upon which the envelops are carried forward, and thestationary supporting plate for the stack of envelope below the dottedline 2, 2, in Fig. 5, showing the reciprocating carriage,

and the envelop-feeding plate, the track rails supporting the carriage,the motor, and the carriage-actuating devices driven by the motor.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the stationary and operative parts of themachine, as seen upon the removal of the vertical side plate, on theleft-hand side of the machine, its outline being shown in dotted lines,showing the long arm on the rock shaft, controlling the action of thestamp-separating and aiiixing devices, and controlled by thereciprocating carriage in its forward movement.

Fig. 4 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 4,4, in Fig. l, looking forwardiy, showing the transverse connectingplate, with the side plates of the frame, also showing the rock shaftcarrying the retarding lingers to the envelops, the adjustable envelopfeed rollers and the transverse bar supporting the extensions of the bedplates.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal, vertical, sectional view, taken through thebed of the machine on the line 5, 5 in Fig. 1, looking in the directionof the right-hand side plate of the machine, showing the envelop-moistening and stamp-affixing mechanism, and the adjusting device for the waterreservoir.

Fig. 6 is a lon tudinal, sectional View, taken `through the ed of themachine, taken on the line 6. 6, in Fig. 1. showing theenvolop-supporting plate, the reservoir for the Water, and one of thebed and envelop-sealingpiates.

1g.' 7 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of the machine, takenon the line 7, 7, in Fig. 1, and looking in the direction of the rearend of the machine.

F ig. 8 is a detail side View of the reser voir for the Water, showingthe means -for moving the forward end of tlie reservoir upwardly.

Fig. 9 is an isometric view of the water reservoir, showing themoistening relier, and means for preventing back rotation thereof.

Fig 10 is a view, in perspective upon an enlarged scale, of a portion ofthe side plate on the left-hand side of the machine, showing a portionof the reciprocating carriage frame, and a portion of the forwardroekshaft and envelop-ejecting finger bar and the rock shaft devices onthe said shaft, and the side of the machine for depressing the linger'bar below the envelop 1n a return movement of the carriage frame, theview showing the position of the nger bar in the forward movement of the.reciprocating carriage.

Fig. 11 is a detail View, in perspective, of the moistening receptaclefor moistening the outer face of the corner ofthe envelop which receivesthe Stam showing a portion of the side bar of t e reciprocating carriageand the operating Wedge er cam.

Fig. 12 is a side View, in detail, of the carrier for the stampmaterial, and the guide rollers, also showing the reciprocating carrierfor the stamp feeders, and the inclosing hood, and the guiding plate forthe stamp material beneath the stamp feeders, in longitudinal, verticalsection.

Fig. 13 is a detail view, in perspective, of the carrier for the stampmaterial, and the hood Within which the carrier has a reciprocalmovement, showing the sight openlng-S.

F ig. 14 is an isometric view of portions of the carrier for the stamfeeders, and the pivotal support for said iheders, and a portion of thepitman operating the carriers.

Fig. 15 is a detail side view, enlarged, of the vibrating track bar androd actuating .the stamp-separating cutter bar, and showing the springsupporting the forward end of the track bar, and the adjustable tensiondevices for the spring.

Fig. 16 is a view, in perspective, ofthehorizontal plate on the sidemember oef the frame of the machine, carrying the stamp-V supporting andstamp-feeding devices, show4 ing in detail the stamp-supporting deviceson the plate.

Fig, 17 is a view, in perspective, of the track plate operating thestamp-separating and aliixing lever, showing the plate-guid ing devices.

Fig. 18 is a View, in perspective, of a portion of the Side member ofthe frame of the machine, upon which the stami'i-sumiorting,stamp-feeding and stamp-separating and ailiXing devices are located,showing a portion of the rock shaft actuating the stamp-feeders, alsoshowing the arm on said shaft, with which the feed-adjusting catch baris pivotally connected, and the lever support on the side member, andthe adjust ing device on the catch bar movable toward and away from tinesupport, and controlling the action of the catch bar in its engagementwith the stamp-axing lever.

Similar Vnumerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in all thefigures of the drawin Y The same of the machine, as seen in thedrawings, to which reference is made, is rectangular in form, andcomprises the longitudinal side plates or member 20, 20', on therespective right and left-hand sides of the machine, which extendupwardly a cousideraible height.

At the forward end of the frame is a transverse connecting bar 21,connected at its ends with the respective side plates 20, 20', at adietance upwardly from the lower surfaces of said side plates,approximately that of one-half their full height, the upper end portionsof said side plates being cut away diagonally, as seen at 200, in Figs.3 and 4. At the rear end of the frame is a transverse connecting bar 22,its upper surface being in line horizontally with the upper surface ofthe transverse bar 21.. The frame of the machine is supported by thelegs 23, 23', secured at their upper ends to the lower, inner portionsof the respective side plates 20, 20', and adjacent the end portions ofsaid plates.

Parallel with and a short distance in- Wardly from the inner surfaces ofthe side plates 20, 20', are the respective horizontal track rods orrails 24, 24', the rod 24 being located farther inwardly from the sideplate 20 than the rod 24, from the side plate 20. The ends of the rods24, 24 are secured rigidly to the respective transverse Ebars 21 and 22,between the lines of their upper and lower surfaces.

The bed of .the machine, upon which the envelops are supported in amovement coincident with the various operations of moistening thesurface aiixing the stamps and sealing the flaps of the envelope,consists of a number of longitudinal flat strips or` slats 25, 25', 252.253, extending parallel with the side plates 20, 20', of the machine,and having longitudinal spaces 25, of the saine vvidth between eachother. The strip 25, ad- ]acent the side plate 20, is narrow in. width,

and is arranged with its outer, longitudinal edge at a short distanceinwardly from said plate. The next strip 25' is of an increased width tothe strip 25, and the width of the strip 252 is in excess of the widthof strip 25', the strip 25, `being narrow in width and arranged betweenthe strip 252 and the side member 20', of the frame of the machine, anda considerable distance therefrom.

T'he rear ends of the separate bed strips 25, 25', 252, 253, areconnected rigidly with the upper surface of the rear, transverseconnecting bar 22, the forward ends of said strips or slats extendingforwardly the width described, a distance considerably less thanone-half the distance from thetransverse bar 22 to the transverse bar21, at the forward end of the machine. The forward ends of said stripsor slats are reduced in breadth or drawn out to form rods 26, whichextend forwardly and downwardly, as further described.

Extending in a transverse direction to the frame of the machine, andconnected rigidly at its upper end portions with the inner surfaces ofthe side plates 20, 20', at points on said frame a short distanceforward of vertical lines on said sides, intermediate their respectiveends, is a plate 27, extending in width from the line of the upperportions of the side plates 20, 20', downwardly a short distance abovethe lines of the upper horizontal surfaces of the bed stri s or slats25, 25', 252 and 25s, to ermit of t e passage thereunder of the enveops, as they are fed, one at a time, from the stack of envelops, whichstack is supported by the said plate in one direction.

In the lower portion of the plate 27, adjacent the inner surface of theside member 20, of the frame, is a vertical space or opening 27', and inthe other lower end portion of said plate is a wide opening 27", whichwill be further referred to. The rods f 26 which form a part of the bedstrips 25,

25', 253 and 253 or extensions thereof above referred to are triangularin cross-section (see Fig. 4), and are extended forwardly beneath thetransverse plate 27, and a short distance forward of a vertical lineextending through said plate, as seen in Fig. 3, and are bent in acurved line, and connected integrally with a transverse bar 28, whichbar extends in length nearly to the res ective track rods 24, 24', andis secured y the screws 28' tothe upper surface of a transverse plate or'bar 29, the ends of which plateJ extend below the rods 24, 24',respectively, and are bent at an angle at 29', and secured rigidly tothe side members 20, 20', of the frame, respectively.

30 indicates the envelop guiding roller, which is located in rear of thetransverse plate 27, the lower surface of the roller being normally inline with the lower edge of the said plate 27, andadjacent the openingthrough which the envelops are fed in succession.

The roller is preferably made with a covering of rubber. The ends of theroller extend to the line of the inner sides of the openings 27', 27X,of plate 27, and are journaled in the rear ends of the bars 31, 31',(see Figs. 3 and 5), which pass through said openings 27', 27", theforward ends of the bars extending forward of plate 27, being upwardlyinclined and pivotally connected at 31", to the side member 20, of theframe. The bar 31' is bent at ri ht angles immediately forward of plate2 and extended to the side member 20' of the frame, as seen in Figs. 1and 4, thence extended along said side member and inclined upwardly andpivotally connected at 31, with said side inember, so that the gravityof the roller causes it to bear upon the envelops, as they pass beneath.The envelops are moved forwardly. over the bed of the machine, by meansof a reciprocating envelop-feeding carriage, which consists of theforward, perforated blocks 32, slidingly mounted on the respective trackrods 24, 24', and the rear, perforated blocks 33, also mounted slidinglyon the respective rods, and arranged a distance a art on said rods forreciprocating, respectively, to the ends of said track rods.

With the upper surfaces of the respective forward and rear blocks 32 and33, on the respective track rods 24, 24' are connected the ends of therespective narrow connecting plates 34 and 35, respectively. At the rearend of the carriage frame is a transverse connecting bar 36, connectedat its ends with the lower surfaces of the blocks 32, 33.

On the forward surface of bar 36, and

near each end, are the brackets 37, 37', which extend downwardly belowthe lines of the bar (see Fig. 10), and in Said brackets are journaledthe pins 38', on the ends of the rocking slat 38. 39 indicates a rockingslat, which is journaled in the downwardly-extended plates 40, 40,secured to the inner surfaces of the respective connecting bars 34 and35, at a point on said bars approximately one-third the distance fromthe rear ends of said bars, toward their forward ends.

With the upper surface and forward portions of the rocking slat 38 areconnected r'gidly the lower end portions of the envelop-feeding fingerbars 41, the upper portions of which bars extend in an upward andrearward direction over the upper surface of the transverse bar 36, andmove with the forward movement of the carriage frame, in the openings orspaces 25, between the slats 25, 25', 252 and 253, forming the bed ofthe machine, and in the rearward movement of the carriage are depressedbelow the line of the lower surfaces of the said slats, in the mannerfurther described. In the lower surface of the linger bars areenvelop-engaging notches 42 (see Fig. 1U). Upon the rocking slat 39 areenvelop-feeding linger bars 43, whicliare precisely the same as thefinger bars 41, the notchesI enabling the envelope to be positivelyheld, when engaged therewith.' Upon the lower surface of the rockingslats 38, and at the end adjacent the side member 20, of the frame ofthe machine, is secured an arm 44, extending downwardly and forwardly ashort distance, and upon its lower end is a pin 45, extending toward themember 20, of the frame.

U on the inner surface of said member 20 of tie frame in the path ofmovement of the pin 45, on the arm 44, is a horizontal tripping plate46, having a flange 47, upon the inner surface and forward end of saidplate, extending downwardly and pivotally connected to said side memberat 46.

When the carriage is at the end of its forward movement the pin 45passes the pivotal point 46, to a position beneath the plate 46. A pin48 is secured to the Side member 20, a short distance in rear of thepivotal point 46, of flange 47, with the said side member 20, whichsupports the tripping plate in a normal, horizontal position. The rearend of the trip plate is `curved at 46", downwardly (see Fig. 10), andupon the pin 45 on the arm 44 passing beneath said curved end of thetrip plate, said plate is raised from the pin 48, and in the forwardmovement of the carriage the pin 45 moves upon the upper surface ofplate 46, raising the finger bars 41. A like tripping plate 49 ispivoted to the side member 20, in the path of movement of the pin 50",on the arm 50, on the rocking slat 39 (see F ig. 2), which is preciselythe same as plate 46, and operates in the same manner to raise anddepress the linger bars 43, as described of the finger bars 41. Anenvelop-feeding plate 51 is connected rigidly at. its forward end withthe longitudinal plates 34 and 35, of the reciprocating carriage, atpoints on said plates intermediate their forward and rear ends, theforward end of said plate extending forwardly to within a short distanceof the forward ends of the plates 34 and 35. The rear edge of the plate51 is very slightly bent upwardly at 51', and engages with the flap ofthe envelop in the initial forward movement of the reciprocatingcarriage. Upon the lower surface of said rear edge of the plate 51 is amoistening strip 51". In the rear portion of the feed plate 51 is a slot51, for the purpose further explained: The moistening device for theflaps of thel envelops consists of a triangular shaped hollow receptacle'52 (see Fig. 9), having a flat top plate 58, side members or platea 59.

which are bent inwardly at 59", 593 to decrease the width of the box,and a rear end. 60, a forward end 61, and a bottom member 62, all of thcparts being soldered together, hence Water-tight.

1n the rear portion of the top plate 58 is a transverse opening 63, andwithin the receptacle beneath said opening is a moistening roller 64,joui'naled at its ends in the grooves 58', in the side members 59, ofthe said receptacle, the outer portion of the roller extending throughthe opening 63, a covering of felt or cloth 65, extending around theroller, for moistening the strip 51 of the feed plate, in a reciprocalmovement of the carriage. A wire 66 is wound about the roller 64, itsfree end 67 being extended within the vertical groove for the journal ofthe nioistening roller, whereby its forward rotation is limited. Thewater may be supplied to the receptacle through the opening 63. Thebottoni 62 of the receptacle, in the direction of its end member 61, issupported adjustably upon the outer ends of the arms 68, on a rock shaft69, the ends of which rock shaft being journaled in the side members 20,20', respectively, of the frame of the machine (see Figs. 2 and 5). Witha separate arm 70, on the rock shaft 69, adjacent the side member 20 ispivotally connected the end of an adjusting rod 71, which extendsupwardly a short distance, and is bent at right angles, the outer endbeing extended forwardly through the transverse connecting bar 21, atthe forward end of the frame of the machine.

Around this rod 71 extends a coiled spring 72, the rear end of whichsprin is held by a ring 73, fixed to said rod, the fbrward end of thespring bearing against the inner surface of the bar 21. The end portionof the rod 71 extending through bar 21, is screwthreaded, and upon saidand is an adjusting nut 74, for raising or lowering the receptacle theproper degree. Upon the forward end 65, of the receptacle 52, areseparate angle bars 74', 74', with which bars are connected therespective ends of a rod 75. Upon the inner surface of the transversebar 21, at the forward end of the frame, is secured a flat bar 76, theends 77, of which are bent outwardly, at right angles to said bar 21,and provided with grooves 78, which grooves receive the rod 75, on theangle bars 74.', 74', of the receptacle, and support said receptacleremovably in place. At the forward end of the side members 20, 20', ofthe frame are secured by the vertical flanges 7 9', the respectivehorizontal, inwardly-extended ledge plates 79, upon which is arrangedthe respective ends of the horizontal envelopsuiporting plate 80.

n the forward surface of the transverse bar 21 is an upwardly-extendedlug 81, upon which the forward end of plate 80 rests, the said portionof plate 80 being bent at right angles, and extended downwardly past theforward surface of the lug, and provided with a longitudinal opening 82.ln the lug 81 is a screw-threaded pin 83, upon which is a nut 84,securing the plate 80 in a fixed position. The rear portion of the plate80 extends to a position in a vertical line with the moistening roller64, the rear end portion of which plate is bent or inclined downwardly,in a slight degree, at 80', and upon which bent portion the stack ofenvelops is mainly supported. The devices for holding the envelope, whenarranged upon plate 80, from a forward or end-wise movement in a stack,consist of upright plates 84 and 85, upon the upper surface and rearportions of plate 80, these plates being spaced apart, and arranged inthe longitudinal direction of the frame of the machine, and providedwith forward, inwardly-bent portions 34X, 85", respectively. At thelower end of the said portions 84", 85X of plates 84 and 85 areforwardly-extended flanges 86 and 87, respectively, the former plate 84being secured to the right-hand side of the plate 80, a considerabledistance inwardly from the side member 20', of the frame of the machine,by the screws 86", which pass through the flange 86, into said plate 80.In the envelop-supporting plate, extendingr beneath the flange 87, onthe lower end of the portion 852 of plate 85, is a slot 88, extendingnearly to the left-hand end of said plate 80, and in said flange 87 is aslot 89, extending in the same direction. An adjusting bolt 90 (see Fig.6) extends upwardly through slots 88, and 89, and is provided with anadjusting nut 90. A short distance above the vertically movable feedroller 30 is a rocking bar 91, square in cross-section, upon the endportion of which bar are pins 91', which are journaled in the sidemembers 20, 20', of the frame of the machine (see Fig. 4).

Upon the end portion of `bar 91, adjacent the side member or plate 20,is secured by the adjusting screw 92", yan arm 92, through the outer endportion of which arm extends an adjusting screw 93. The lower end ofscrew 93 bears upon the inwardly-extended portion of an angle plate 94,secured to said side member 20, in which plate is a slot 95, whichpermits lateral adjustment of arm 92 (see Fig. 1). In the adjustment ofthe arm 92, on angle plate 94, a slight oscillation of the bar 91 ispermitted. To the bar 91 is secured, in like manner, to the arm 92, theinner ends of separate arms 96 and 97 (two being shown) one intermediatethe ends of said bar, and the other a considerable distance -inwardlyfrom the side member 20', of the frame of the machine.

Upon these 'arms 96 and 97 are adj ustably supported by the adjustingscrews 98', 97',

respectively, the envelop-holding and retarding plates 98 and 99,respectively. These plates 98 and 99 are nearly square in form, and areprovided with a downwardly extended portion, which rests upon the uppersurface of the feed plate 51, in its rearward movement, and aresupported above the bed plate extensions 26, in the forward movement ofthe plate 51. In the lower, forward portion of said' envelop-re tainingplate is a notch 100 (see Fig. 6). The adjusting screws 98', 99 enablethe plates to be moved rearwardly or forwardly, as the retardation ofthe envelop is desired, the notched portions of which plates engage withthe envelops, as they move forwardly, in succession.

The moistening device, for moistening the outer surface of the envelop,consists of a square box-frame 101. seen in detail in Fig. 11, and isopen at the top Iand bottom, and in which opening is a closely-fittingsponge 102, projecting a short distance from the open, lower end of thebox-frame 101. This box-frame is located in position directly above theextension rod 26, from the 'bed plate 253, and beneath which box-framethe right-hand portion of the feed plate 51 has a reciprocal movement.Upon the outer side 'and upper end portion of the box-frame is anoutward extension or block 102', with which block is connected rigidlythe inner end of a supporting bar 103, which is ex* tended toward theside member 20', of the frame of the machine, thence bent at rightangles and extended forwardly, parallel with said side and connectedpivotally with said side member, at 103". The downward movement of theInoistening box is effected by 'a wire spring 104, one end of whichspring extends within the opening 27 x of the transverse plate 27, andbears against the upper portion of said opening. The other end of saidwire spring extends to and around the pivot 103", for the bar 103. It isthen extended along said bar and extended within an opening105 in saidbar.

Extendin outwardly from the lower portion of the oX-frame 101 toward theside member 20', is aplate or flange 106. Upon the upper surface andright-hand side of the feed plate 51, and intermediate at its ends, isan upwardl -extended wedge-shaped plate or cam l() which in the rearwardmovement ofthe feed plate comes in contact with the inwardly-extendedportion of the arm 103, on the moistening box 101, and imparts to saidbox-frame an upward movement. The locating of the cam 107, on the feedplate, is such that in the completion of the movement rearwardly of thereciprocating carriage, the highest point of the wedge is reached, andthe full elevation of the box-frame 101 against the tension of thespring 104.

The reciprocation ofthe envelopefeeding carriage is effected by means ofa large, horizontally-positioned, grooved wheel 108, located directlybeneath the flap-moistening receptacleor box 52. The wheel 108 isprovided with a downwardly-extended shaft 109, journaled in a shaftbearingA 110, secured rigidly to the forward side of a transverse bar11]., intermediate its ends. The ends of the bar 111 are bent at rightangles, and secured to the side members 20, 20', of the frame of themachine at 112'.

113 indicates a crank shaft, one end of which shaft is pivotallyconnected at 113, with the upper surface of the peripheral portion ofthe large wheel 108. The rear end of the crank shaft 113 extendsforwardly in an upwardly-inclined direction to within a short distanceof its forward end, and is then bent at a greater angle, and thencehorizontally, and connected pivotally at 114, with the lower surface ofthe transverse connecting bar 36, of the reciprocatingr carriage, at apoint intermediate the ends of said bar.

In the one rotation of the wheel 108, the reciprocating carriagecompletes' its forward and rearward movement.

115 indicates an electric motor, of small power, located near theforward end of the sides 20, 20', of the frame of the machine, and uponthe upper surface of a transverse plate 116, having flanges 116",secured to the lower portions of said side members Q0, 20', immediatelyabove the lower surface of said plates.

117 indicates the motor shaft, and 118 a small, grooved wheel on vsaidshaft. 119 indicates an endless band, extending over the grooved wheel118, and also over the larger grooved wheel 108.

120 indicates the electric conducting wires leading from the motor tothe switch 121, and from switch 121 the wires are extended at 122, andprovided with a screw-threaded plug 123, which is fitted within4 anysocket in an electric supply system, and with this power the operationof the machine is rapid and a high degree of efficiency obtained.

The stamp-supporting and stamp-feeding devices are located in positiondirectly above the slat 25a, on the right-hand side of the bed of themachine. The support for said devices consists of a horizontal plate124, extending parallel with the side plate or member 20', of the frameof the machine. and from said side member inwardly to :1 position ashort dist'ansce above the slat 258, of the bed of the machine, theinner surface being in a vertical line with the inner vsurface of saidSlat.

The plate 124 is provided with a flange 125, `on its inner portion whichextends upwardly and is secured to the side member 20', of the frame ofthe machine (see Fig.

16). The plate 124 extends from a point a short distance inwardly fromthe line of the rear end of side member 20, of the frame, forwardly to apoint a short distance rearwardly of a vertical line extending throughthe forward ond of the bed Slat 25", and integral with its inner portionis an angle plate 125', extending upwardly and connected with the frame124. Within the outer, beaded edle 124", of plate 124, is a longitudinaltrac( plate 126, extending upwardly a short distance. A; like trackplate 127 extends longitudinally with plate 124 and is locatedintermediate the track plate 12.6 and the upwardly-extended flange 125.

The supporting devices for the stamp material consists of an uprightplate 128 (see Fig. 16), adjacent the inner side of the track plate 127,and arranged a short distance inwardly from the rear end of the plate124. Upon the lower end of plate 128 is a flange 129, secured fixedly bya screw 129", to the plate 124. A screw bolt 180 extends through theupper end of plate 128, upon which is a thinible 131. secured at itsupper end to the inner end of the screw bolt 130, by a nut 133 (see Fig.1).

Upon the thimble 131 is arranged a retaining disk 134, for the roll ofstamp material. A wire 135 secured at its outer ends to the outersurface of the disk, 'engages the screw bolt between its head and thethimble 131. Upon the outer end of the bar 132 is a screw bolt 136,carrying a thimble 137. .i portion of the plate 128 is bent outwardly at139,'t'o which is secured the upper end of a spring plate 140, whichextends downwardly, and its outer end curved upwardly :md brought inContact with the thimble 137, on the bar 132.

The stamp material employed in the me4 chine consists of a narrow stripof peper 141. of the usual description. upon which oflicial stamps areprinted in ribbon form. and perforated trausif'crsely between the stampsand the stamp ribbon wound in a roll and placed in the sleeve 131, andheld thereon by vthe disk 134. One surface of the strip is printed withthe staminnud upon the other is an adhesive substance. y

Upon the upper surface of the plete .1. forward of the plate 128, andbetween the flanges 126 and 127, is located a yielding plate 142, forthe stamp material. its inner edge portion 148 extending upwardly. andhooked over the flange 127, and securell l'lzereto supporting the guideplate 142` u slight distance above the plate 124. Sprint-5 extensions142' extend forwardly from the plate' 142, to the forward end of plate124. The free end. of the stamp material is extended downwardly fromVt'he roll. and rearwardly between the thimble 1.37 and the curvedportion of the spring plate 140. thence downwardly over the curved edgeof A bar 132 is i flat plates 160, their the spring plate to the plate124, thence forwardly beneath the guide plate 142, and is fed, asfurther described.

At the forward end of the horizontal supporting plate 124, and integralwith its outer edge portion are the upwardly-extended flanges 144 and145.

The stamp-feeding devices consist of a reciprocating carrier 147, itsframe being composed of parallel wide strips 148 and 149, securedtogether by a longitudinal fiat plate 150, integral with the uppersurfaces of the respective strips (see Figs. 12, 13, and 14). In therear, upper portion of plate 150 is a longitudinal slot 151. The carrier1417 is arranged to slide within a fixed hood 152, of an increasedlength to the carrier, and which is mounted on the forward end of theplate 124, secured to the side member, 20. of the frame of the machine.

The hood 152 consists of a horizontal plate 153. Connected with itsouter edge is a side member 154, which extends downwardly to the line ofthe outer edge of plate 124 and past the outer surfaces of the flanges144 and 145, to which flange 145 the hood is rigidly secured by a screw146.

An inner side member 155, of the hood, extends downwardly toward theplate 124, and is bent inwardly to form a guide flange 156, which restsupon the flange 127 on the plate 124. From the inner surface of the topplate 153, a short distance inwardlyr from the side plate 154, extendsdownwardly a longitudinal plate 157, provided with an inwardly-extendedange 158, which rests upon the flange 126, on the plate 124. The carrier147 is movable between the plates 155, 157, supported by the guideflanges 156, 158, respectively, to the line of the forward end of thehood, in a forward movement of the carrier.

The stamp-feeders consist of a number of outer ends being cut away fromthe line o-f their upper edges, downwardly and dia onally, terminatingin a forwardly-extende point, adapted to engage with the perforations inthe stamp material. These feeding plates are arranged loosely upon a rodor pin 161, extending through registering openings in the rear ends ofthe plates, the ends of the pin 161 being secured within the sides ofthe longitudinal strips 148, 149, intermediate the top plate 150, andthe lower edges of the respec tive strips, and a short distance inwardlyfrom their forward ends. t ln the top plate 153, of thehood, and nearits forward end, is a sight opening 162, through which the position ofthe feeder plates may be observed, with respect to the perforations inthe paper, upon a movement rearwardly of the feeders, to engage with thesaid perforations.

In the rear portion of the top plate 156,

of the hood, is a longitudinal opening 163, which is directly above theopening 151, in the plate 150, of the carrier, and through whichopenings extends the inner end of a pitman or bar 164, which ispivotally connected with a pin 165, connected with the respective sidestrips 148 and 149, of the carrier, at short distances inwardly `fromtheir respective ends. A rock shaft 166 operates the carrier for thestamp-feeders, one end of which shaft extends in a transverse directionto and a slight distance above the rear end portion of the plate 142,supporting the stamp-feeding devices, and immediately in rear of thevertical plate 128, supporting the stamp-supporting devices, and isjournaled at 166", in the upwardly-extended flange 125, on said plate.The other end of the rock shaft extends transversely to the bed of themachine, and is journaled in the side member 20, of the bed off themachine.

Upon the rock shaft 166, in rear of the stamp-feedin devices is fixed anarm 167 which extents upwardly a short distance. With the upper end ofarm 167 is pivotally connected the rear end of the pitman 164, operatingthe stamp feeders.

Upon the endportion of the rock shaft 166, journaled in the side member20, of the frame of the machine, is a downwardly and rearwardly-extendedarm 168, having a curved lower edge.

170 indicates a lever on the left-hand side of the machine, seen inFigs. 1 and 3, which operates the arm 168, on the rock shaft 166. Thelever consists of a long bar, its forward end extending forwardlybeneath the angle plate 94, and is pivotally connected at 171, to theside member 20, of the frame of the machine. The rear end of the bar orlever extends rearwardly to within a short distance off the Vtransversebar 22, at said rear end of the frame of the machine, directly beneaththe arm 168, and is bent downwardly in a gradually-curved line. The rearend of the lever 17 0 is retained against the side member 20, of theframe of the machine, by means of the upright guide plate 17 2, on therear end of the longitudinal side plate 34, on the reciprocatingenvelop-feeding carriage, which actuates the lever 170, to raise itsrear end, and cause the lever to move the arm 168, on the rock shaft166, upwardly, and throw forwardly the upper end of arm 167, and thusoperate the stamp-feeding devices near the end of its rearward movement,when the curved end of said lever 170 is moved upwardly, and rests uponthe upper surface of the narrow side plate 34, of the reciprocatingcarriage. Upon the end of the shaft 166, journaled in theupwardly-extended flange 125, on the inner surface of the side member20, of the frame of the machine, and adjacent said plate, is securedfixedly'an upwardly-extended arm fl il 173. A coiled spring 174 is woundaround the shaft 166, one end of which spring is extended downwardly,and secured to the flange 129, on the lower end of the stampsupportingplate 128, by the screw 12,9*2 The other end of the coiled spring bearsagainst the forward portion of the arm 173, the coiled spring acting toeffect a return movement of the arm 167, operating the stamp-feedingdevice.

The stamp-operating and aflixing devices consist of a flat bar or lever175, one end of which bar extends through a vertical opening 175", inthe side member 20, of the frame of the machine, and which extendstransversely to the outer surface of th'e angle plate 125, at theforward end 0f the plate 124, supporting the stamp-feeding devices. Saidouter end of arm 175 is plvotally connected with a lug 176, on the outersurface of the side member or plate 20', of the frame of the machine, bythe pivot bolt 176". The inner end of the arm extends inwardly, in closecontact with the outer snrface of the angle plate 125', to a positionopposite the forward end of the hood and integral with the outer surfaceand ower portion of said arm is a laterally-extended, upwardiy-inclinedflange or plate 177. To the lower surface of said plate is secured, bythe screws 179, a stamp-cutting and afxin plate 178, having a cuttingedge 180, whic comes into close position with the forward lend oftheplate 124, upon which the stamp material is fed.

With the outer side of the lever 173, at a point a short distanceinwardly from the line of the inner surface of the side member 20', ofthe frame ofthe machine, is pivotally connected, at 180", the upper endof a ml 180 (See Fig. 15), the lower end 0f which rod extendsdownwardly, through an opening 181, larger in circumference than saidrod in the horizontally-extended portion of an angle plate 182, securedto the inner surface and iower portion of the side member 29 of theframe of the machine, and screw-threaded 'alt the central and lowerendportions of the rod. Upon said rod is a tube 184, the lower end ofwhich tube extends through the opening 181, in the angle plate 182. Uponthe lower screw-threaded end of rod 180 is a nut 185, which bearsadjustably upon the lower surface of the horizontal portion of the angleplate 182. Upon the central screw-threaded ortion of the rod is 'anadjusting nut 186, caring on the upper end of the tube 184. Extendingaround the tube is a spiral spring 187, one end of which spring bearsupon the upper surface of the horizontal portion of the angle ,'late182, and the other end against the adjusting nut 186, whereby thetension of the coiled spring 192, further described, is increased.

imams e e.

The operating devices for the rod 180 consist of a horizontal trackplate 188, narrow in width, and provided with an opening 189, at itsforward end, through which the rod 180 extends. From the inner surfaceof said end extends downwardly a guiding iiange 190, which extendsdownwardly on the inner side member 20', of the frame of the machine(see Fig. 7). Said end of plate 188 is supported yieldingly, by theupper end of a coiled spring 192, extending around the rod 180, and itslower end bears on the adjusting nut 186.

From the inner surface andA rear end of plate 188, extends downwardly, aguiding ange 193, and upon the side member 20, of the frame of themachine, is a keeper plate 19-1, which retains said plate normallyagainst said side member 20. In the plate 188, inwardly from the Flange193, is a notch 195.

196 indicates a Vertically-positioned catch plate, within the notch 195,of the track plate 188, its upper end being pivotally connected at 196",with the side member 2i), of the frame of the machine, a short distanceabove the line of the track plate, the pivot extending through said @ndof the catch plate immediately in rear of a vertical line passingthrough said plate, intermediate its forward and rear surfaces.

In the rear portion of the catch plate is a notch 197, the lower edge ofwhich notch engages in the normal position of the track pian 128, withthe rear end of the notch 195, in said plate, and holds said plate inconjunction with the spring 192, in a normally-raised position,

The portion of the catch beneath the notch 197 is curved downwardly andforwardly at 198. VVith the inner edge of the longitudinal plate 35, ofthe reciprocating carriage, a short distance forwardly of the transverseconnecting bar 36, is connected rigidly the upper end of Flat plate 199,the lower end of which plate passes the inner surface of 'the trackplate 188, and upon the inner side of 4Said lj'ower end vof the plate ispiroted a roller 200, which moves `over the lower surface of 'the trackplate 188, when ya amp-separating aixing devices 'are out of operation.,and the enve op-feeding carriage moves forwardly and rearwardly.

The controlling devices which set in motion the stamp-'separating andaflix'ng devices, are operable bythe envelop fed by the reciprocatingcarriage, 4and consist of a rock shaft 201, *one end of which shaft isjour-k naled in the side member 20', of, the frame of the machine, ashort distance forward of the stampasiiixing lever 173. The other end ofsaid shaft extends in a 'transverse direction *to the bed of themachine, and is jourualed in the side member or plate 20, of the frameofthemachine. Upon sai-d shaft, ad-

jacent the side member 20', is secured fixedly the forward ei'id of along lever' 202, the rear end of which lever extends rearwardl Ianddownwardly, and enters within a note 203,- on the upper, forward edge ofthe catch 190, located slightly below a line extending horizontallythrough the` pivot 196x for said rati-h.

-Upon the rock shaft 201 is secu-red adjustably, by the set screw204",one end of a controlling arm or lever 204, the other end eX-tending rearwardly and downwardly upon the upper surface of the bedplate 252, 1n the path'of the envelope passlngfrom the stack, betweenthe. envelop-retaining plates 8l and 85. i

rl`he sealing devices for the flaps of the envelops consist of thelongitudinally-extended narrow strips 205 which extend parallel witheach other, upon the upper surface of the respective bed plates 25, 25and 252, from the rear end of said plates, forwardly to a position a.short distance from the envelop feed roller 30, and are curved up wardlyat said end. l

The forward portion of the sealing strips are supported vby thetransyerse-shaf-t206, journal'ed at one end of the uprightl vflange 145,on the out/er edge and forward end Aof the supporting plate 124, for thestampfeeding devices, the Vother end of w-hich shaft is,v journaled inthe side member of plate 20, of the frame o f'the machina i A,

Upon the shaft 206 are adjustably connected the arm-s 207, havingnotched outer ends, with, which are pivotally connected the upper endsof flatplates 208, which plates arey rigidly connected with the uppersurfaces of the respective sea-ling strips.

The rear portion of the strips are guided by the arms 209, looselymounted on the rock shaft ljfpwhich are the saine as the arms 207,01;the'shaft206, andA which arms are pivotally connected withthe fixedplates 210, 011 Sad'slinsstrp- Y The means for 4regulattingautomatically the `feedinp"l ofthe vstamp material, so that the stain,fffders will always move the length of the stamp'and engage with theperfor'ations,` consists of ya catch bar `212, which sj iXedly connectedat its rear end with the upper end of the arm 17,3, and its forward endextendsforwardly to a position above the stalnp-aflixing lever 175, andis provided with a notch V213,engaging with the upper portion of saidlever, whereby its movement is' controlled until the said lever iswithdrawn,so that the feed plates'feed the stamp' accurately, so thatthe engagernent ofthe'feed p ates upon each return movement ,ineets thelperforationsl of the stamp to he separated hythelever from the strip'of stamp material. During theen gagement ofthe notched bar 21,2 with thelever, the arln ltll'vis 4elevated and inactive.

An angle plate 214, secured to the side member 20', ofthe frame of themachine, has its outwardly-extended portion extended beneath the catch`bar, at a point intermediate the ends of said bar, a projection 215extending upwardly from the outer portion of said support for the bar,and preventing disengagement.

Upon said catch bar is a sleeve 216, se-

cured adjustably in position by a set screw 217, from which sleeve agage plate 218, which gages the distance to and from notch 213, extendsdownwardly and comes into contact with the forward edge of theoutwardly-extended portion of the angle plate 214. At the rear end ofthe frame of the machine and extending transversely to the side membersor plates 20, 20', of the frame of the machine, is a bar 219, havinportions 220, extending upwardly from line of the lower edges of therespective plates 20, 20', and secured xedly thereto. With the uppersurface of said bar are secured xedly the inner ends of the bars 221,which extend rearwardly a ,considerable distance therefrom, andoutwardly from the rear ends of the sides of the frame of the machine,and with the ends of saidbarsis attached the lower surface of a verticalenvelop-retainin plate 222.

-o the upper surface of the bars 221 is secured the respective ends of ahorizontal plate 223, upon' which the envelops fall when eyected fromthe machine.

In operation the envelops to be stamped are assembled in the properquantity, llatwise, with the ilaps downward, and one envelop uponanother to form a stack. The stack of envelops is then placed betweenthe guiding plates 84 and 85, on the envelop supportin late 80, againstthe forward surface o t, e Plato 27,with the rear por-y tion ofthelower` envelop in the staekresting upon the inclined portion 8,0', oftheenvelopfsupportin V`plate, -hence itwillhe observed t at the, owermostenvelop insti-1e stack will fallinto a, like position withthat of4 thesaid inclinedportion of the supporting plate, the adheslve Hap of theenvelop bein slightly below thel lane ofV the,y forwar edge 51', of theenvop-feeding plate 51, on the reciprocating carriage, which prior tothe o erationof feeding the ven-`- velops forward y is at the limitof1,its for:A ward movement. as Seen indotted linesin Eig. 1, thisforwardpositionof theyre@` ciprocatin carriage, thel flap moisteninpylower sux-race 51,`on,the envelop-feeding platev is vertically above themoistening roller 64, Y1n, the moistenin receptacle 58, and -in contact,the-repgvt h.` A 'Illiis receptacle is filled \,vith ;water,r Vtheroller 6'1" moves ina partial rotatienlwith the contactof ,theflap-moistening portion 5,1", of the envelop feeding plate 51 thesurfaceis kepticons lieiae'zo disengege said` catch from the rear end of thenotch 195, in the track plate 188, during which4 time. they roller 200,on the depending bar 19,9, on the reciprocating carriage, has passed onthe under'surface of the track plate 188, and outwardly from the rearend ofsaid plate, which then falls upon the guide plate 194, and theroller200 is in position to make itsreturn movement upon the uppersurface of said traclgplate. Simultaneously withV this forward movementof the reciprocating carriage,:it5forward end acts upontherearwardlycurved end of the lever 17D, ,to raise it upwandlyiinte contact with thearm or cam168, 'andimpart-movenient tothe rockshaft 166and arm 167,actuating thefpitman 164 and the stamp feeders 160, move an exactdistance forwardly upon the plate 124, tov move the rst stamp forwardlybeyond the forward end of said plate, into position above the envelop,the notch 213, in the bar 212engaging with the stamp-aili'xing lever arm175, and holding the arm 168 in an elevatedposition. In the next halfVcircle of rotation of the wheel 108, and as the reciprocating carriagebegins its forward movement, ,the arm, 168 moves downwardly, and thespring 174, on the roclrshaft 166, acts'torcausef a, return Inovementofthe arms 1,6( ea.ndY A173,011. shaft 166, and the return movement ofthe carrier 147, and theffeeders 160, which immediately engage v,withthe perforations in the strip of the stamp material, in rear of thestamp, whic has been moved. 4forwardly and sep arated from the striandalflxd to the en* velop.V Should the r 212v fail to engage thestamp-:ailigiing leverarm, the spring 174 on the shaft 166 acts to holdthe arm 173 in a rearward position, and the catch bar 212 out ofengagement with the lever 175 of the stump-aiixing devices, and thearm 168 on the elicit 16.6 ceeeestc operate the pil-,man 164, `fai-,util ,theceding ,devices re- Y mainj inactiveI .111, `his ,return movement of thereciprocating' lcarriage the roller 200 moyesqnpqn thetifackl late188,-111 the dreetiniefthe ferner, end ef the le@ -cefiifvres i theSpera 192,` eed @1z0-ine. their, iflwdwnnerdla and drawin'gdownthe outerendof the lever arm `175from they notched; bar 212,-and the spring 174andshaftlinove' said bar and the feeding1device-"Sintoeontact.y Thecutter plate 176 moving inclosepontact with Jthe forwardedge ofthe'pla-te 124., supporting the stamp-feeding,devieacuts away the 'fil-'St,Steve-infpreened, end extending over the envelopadon llne of theperforations,end inthe ownward, pressure of the said plate 1;'78, 'upenY the: stamp ailixes the stamp rto, themoistened surface of theenvelo-p.1 lIn `this,return movement of the reciprocating carriage, Ytheenvelop-feeding plate isiimmediatey Withdrawn from the envelolnthe pins50, on the arm 50, on the rook shaft 39, and the pin 45 on the arm 44,on the rock shaft 38 move upon the lower surfaces of thc respectivetripping plates 46 and 49, and cause the outer ends ofthe linger bars41and 43on the respective rock shafts 38 and 39tomove downwardly outofcontact with the envelope, and leaving the envelop upon the uppersurface of the plate 252, 258, of the hed of the machine, and held byIthe weight ofthe sealingplates 205 from movement. The reciprocatingcarriage having completed its return movement, the, pins 50%,' on' thearm 50, on the rocking slat 39, andthe pin 45 on the arm 44, on rockingslet 38, raises the rear curved ends of the respective tripping plates;which fall inimediately in position so that said pins 50X on arm 50 andthe pin 45 on the arm 44 will move over said curved ends and raise t-hefinger bars in an upward position, in reediness tomo-ve forward anotherenvelop inthe direction of the stamp alixing devices. The reciprocatingcarriage again moves forwardly, feeding forward another envelop beneaththe feed roller 30, into a position in which it is held by the retardingplates 9 8 and 99, and at the same time the forward finger bars 41 comeinto contact with the rea-r portion of the stamped envelop and forcessaid envelop rearwardly between the sealing strips and the rear ends ofthe slats formingthe bedof the machine, the downward pressure of thesealing stri. s 20be-l ing sufficient to cause the adhes ve, moistenedflap of the envelop to close firmly and seal itself, and the envelop isejected from the rear end portions of the slats, and falls upon theplate 223, of the envelop support at the rear end of the machine. Thesuc-l ceeding envelope, when stamped fall one upon another, from the bedof `the machine. In this machine, the rapidity of-niovement of: thelreciprocating carriage feeds an envelop to its position to affix thestamp, as a prior stamped envelop isv sealed, and discharged from 4theImachine `hence the capacity lof the Jmzmhine to and stamp the envelopsis greetl Vincreased thefenvelops bein fed toward t e stamp-aiixingandseal-` ing vices in succession, with rapidity and accuracy in movement,the' succession of envelops keeping the controlling lever or Aarm 204constantly raised in position,` and while the arm remains 50,*thestamp-feeding and stampaliixing= devicesk are in coperation with itheenvelop-feeding; devices. l

v'VV-,hen vthe Stack of errvelops is exhausted, and the last enveloprpasses said controlling arm .or lever A20'4, and fis stampedandfdischargedf from themaQhiRe, said: controlling arm falls upontheslat' otthe `hed of the inachine, beneath ,the arnngazndI the catch196 isn forced into cigagementwith Ithe rear end, of the notch 19 ,inthe track plate 188, which is yiis ndw released from the action of theroller 20D, Aamd the stamp-feedihg amd stmnp-axing devices again beeoleinactive. r

When the pitmim' 164, 0n ilhe arm 167, which ictuubes the 'arriei 147,and the Stamp feeders, moves the carrier to the end of a for'wadmyement, any vmfabeness in such movement, which would resut inmlittngthe stamp fr0-m the s'tr'ip of Stamp-material, either forward 0T inrearfof the perfmjabed portions, is effectual 1y yplelfleriied 'bythegage bar 212,wlricl1 nets teebntrel tlie-rviimement of the erm161,'011'1-,119 melf shaft lfilie preoise dlistee between the peioriledprtions ''ihe stamp material; eecupid by the stamp, hence a rearwardmovement of the arm 167 operated'by the pinnen will cause the points ofthe Swmpieeds to' move rearwardly the samedishmce, and the arm 167 maybe adjusted yon shatl accordingly, wendjstment bein facililtnliled bythe sight Opening 162,611' tie hbl, by means ef whieh 'tieposliibn efthe feeders may be seen upon the retraction of the Cm'- riel' 147, withmthe hod 152.

The Sup oi'ting plelieiA 801,51111" the slibk of enifdlepis, hieli iswbdifefblie path olflcravel ofr tsl-re envelblgmfiiediiigLA plate-:isudju'sfmble in a'dirftibn bipbh` -ig'Q-to" the di-letn of x'no-'vethe'ntbf 'si'tl fedgplat, lnil thus provides fel envelope ifaiyiiig in width,by relas'iiig the miljuiiliig; A:but 84, #kind mvng theplaie-fsofferwerdly or reliiwafrdly, ras the adjusfiiientiay bereqi'i-e,Ih sbt 82, in plus@ so, permiitingsueli djiistiiieiii,

Such I'iibdileati'ons Uf "the hveiil'loi'i may be employed its areW'i-lhi'tlle scopefdf the appendeel claims;

mmm@

and with mea/ne farming meeniieleps in sueoiisbmi lo' erelid devices; Ufe mtiltening 'reeepmele miveftlie pedi ef Movement of the eivelo'ps;ddjlls'lzble ryiedinelipp'orbs ori @will fwlilegfdrltlie moisteni g re*@epm/cle H i 4. Inja eliemillimxiliig madlile for envelope, elfe eemiiialiltin willi libe i frame of the Illaelihe; tld'hStlaimp-lidfevides, uid with a!- i'eeipimiiillng eiivelfdpll feed-lng' envelope-frefsiid wildes, of liquidlie'lclln ifeeeiamelefbeileeth 'fiile @amleiivelbp feiier iiiviig iil'walisveleeffopiiiii 'jiii its vopjmnfber. dnella iis mimi-@11m ,v and` a lnldlslieniigi 1115;! fin Field :pjiilrlglmtled 111 the diembele-faii eptll, ie, d pivetal fsuppelic fbi 'oneeniliiff @will 'ileeepmcle upon said frame, iind-.idjusteblesupportingmeang fotllevther End `0i shidfreeeptacle.

ing finger bar connected at its forward end with said rocking member, anarm on said rocking member and a in on said arm, andautomatically-acting trlpping plates ivoted at one end to the frame ofthe machine and supported in the direction of their free ends in thepath of movement of said arm and having downwardly curved portions ofsaid free ends adapted to trip said arm in the reciprocal movements ofsaid carriage.

9. A mechanism for operating the' envelop-feeding linger bars in stam-afiixing machines, comprising a ystam -a Xing device, a reciprocatingenvyelopceding member, and a rocking device thereon, and a linger bar cnsaid device, an arm on said rocking device, and a pin on' said arm, atripping plate in the path of 'movement `of the pin on said armpivotallj,1 supportedat one end and having al downwardly-curved trippingportion at the other end, and a support for the tripping plate betweensaid ends.

10. In a stamp-aiiixing machine for envelops, the combination with theframe of the machine, and the stamp-aiiixing devices, of a reciprocatingcarriage movable in the direction of said devices, transverse rockingbars or slats upon said carriage, and envelop-feeding finger barsconnected with said bars, arms on said bars, and pins at theends of saidarms, trippingplates'pivotally connected at their forward ends with theside members of the frame of the machine in the path of movement of thepins on said arms and having downwardly-inclined rear ends, andsupporting ldevices on the side member of'said frame supporting theintermediate portions of the tripping plates.

11. In a stamp-aiiixing machine for envelops, the combination with theframe of the machine, and the stamp-separating and aiiixing devices, andwith feeding means for feeding the envelope in succession to the saiddevices, of one or more `enveiop=fretain ing devices for retainin theenvelop from a reverse movement an adjustable in the direction of saidstamp-separating and affixing devices.

12.1 In a-stamp-aiiixing machineffor envelops, the combination with theframe of the machine 'and itsv -bed plates, and the stamp-separating andailixing devices, and with an envelop-feeding reciprocatingcarriagemovable in the direction of said devices, of a transverse bar pivotallyconnected with the side members of said frame, arms on said bar, andenvelop-'retaining plates in the path of movement of theenvelop-'feeding carriage adjustably connected withsaid arms, and meansfor adjustingthe position of said arms relative to the bed plates.

'13. In a stamp-ailixing machine for envelops,"`the combination with theframe of the machine, and the stamp-atiixing devices and with means forfeeding the envelops to said devices, of a transverse bar pivotallyconnected with the respective side members of saidiframe, envelopretarding arms on said bar, and plates carried by said arms havingopenings adapted to receive said arms, said `plates havingenvelop-retarding notches in their forward portions, and adjustingdevices for said plates upon said arms. i

14:. In a stainp-aiixing machine for envelops, the combination with theframe of the machine, and the stamp-aiiixing devices, a transverserocking bar pivotallv connected with the respective sides of said frame,arms on said -lcar, and adjustable envelop-retainin'g devices on saidarms, and means for effecting an adjustment rotatively of saidtransverse rocking bar.

1'5. In a stamp-ailixing machine for`cnvelops', the combination with theframe oi' the machine, and the stamp-aiiixing devices and with means forfeeding the envelops to said devices, of a transverse rocking bar piv`otally connected with the side members et said frame', adjustableenvelop-retarding devices upon said bar in the path of movement of theenvelops in the direction of said devices, arl arm on said bar, and anarm supporting plate onthe side member of said frame beneath said arm,'and an adjusting screw on saidarm bearing on said arm supporting plate.16. Inastamp-aiiixing Vmachine forenvelops, thel combination withtimeframe of the machine and its bed, and y with the stamp-aii'i'xingdevices, of an envelop-feeding reciprocating carriage movable above thebed of the machine in the direction of said stamp-affixing devices, andflap-moistening means for the fiaps of the envelops, on said carriage,transverse shafts on the frame of the machine, and arms on said shaft`and longitudinal fiap-sealing plates on said shafts connected with saidarms.`

icc

17. In a` stampnixing mlachin'efor eni velops, Vthe combination with theframe of the machine and the stamp aiiixing devices, and with a gniiideplate for supporting the strip of stamp material, of a `supporting plate'ont said guide plate and a `reel for the stampl materiah and a springplate thereon over which the material on said supportingplate is fedfrom the reel.

18. In a stamp-aiiixing machine for envelops, thel combination with theframe of the machine, and the stamp-feeding andV affixing devices, cfaguide plate for the 'strip of stamp material supporting the stamp'-ffeeding devices, supporting means on said guide plate forl the roll 'ofstamp material, and a spring plate on said lsupportinglmeans over whichthe material is fed. l, j 19i'1i a stamp-attrici; machine for" en#

